The parable of the sower teaches us that the Lord works in a slow and steady way to change our lives. While there are many temptations and distractions that can choke off our faith, we are reminded to foster the Gospel in our hearts and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Those little words, “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you” have the power to bring healing and grace as we recognize our weaknesses and ask for mercy. May the example of Jonah and Jesus inspire us to speak them frequently from the heart!
The relatives of Jesus in the Gospel today show us that sometimes our family dynamics can cause stress and struggle. Yet our families can also be the place where we are supported and nurtured to grow. May we give our best effort to our family as we encourage and build up one another.
Jesus calls the Twelve disciples by name and empowers them for ministry. The Lord does the same for us! May we say yes and allow God’s grace to work through our imperfections so that we may serve others with the love of Christ.
The Gospel of Mark reveals the power of the healing ministry of Jesus. From the beginning the Church has continued this work; may our lives today be open to this ministry as we seek to be instruments of the Lord’s healing touch.
Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on a Sabbath, revealing his power as the Son of God and inviting us to consider how we do the Lord’s work in the midst of competing values and priorities.
When we say “Jesus is Lord” we claim Him as the center and priority of our lives. May we constantly examine our hearts, looking for anything that is not worthy of God’s grace as we continuously re-orient our lives to Christ.
Like a coach who calls a play that leads to action on the field, God calls us to a life of faith by what we think, speak and do. May we hear the Lord’s call in our lives today and respond with full hearts!
Jesus calls Levi – a tax collector and a sinner – with the simple invitation “Follow me.” In the same way the Lord calls us, not because we are perfect, but precisely so that we can draw near to the one who heals, redeems and loves us.